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GOP lawmakers raise voting rights concerns with DOJ
In a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice, two Republican lawmakers said the congressional and legislative maps approved by the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission fall short in protecting minority voting strength.
State submits redrawn legislative maps to Justice
Newly drawn legislative district maps have been submitted for approval to the U.S. Department of Justice.
I just remembered!
Redistricting commission attorneys may have been happy to have their congressional maps submitted to the Justice Department for review, but it turns out they forgot to include a few things.
Arizona submits congressional map to US for review
A federal review of Arizona's map of new congressional districts for compliance with the Voting Rights Act is about to start.
Preclearance woes for Tobin plan?
Tobin’s plan seems likely to run into preclearance problems with DOJ.
Appeals court hears challenge to Voting Rights Act
Appeals court judges expressed concern Thursday about whether to overrule Congress' determination that some southern states and other jurisdictions still must have federal election monitoring to protect minority voting rights.
IRC properly considered factors mandated by voters
Gov. Jan Brewer has wisely chosen not to challenge the Arizona Supreme Court ruling that restored Colleen Mathis as the chair of the Independent Redistricting Commission. Nonetheless, the governor maintains the court erred, and that the IRC drew the draft congressional boundaries in a manner that ignored its constitutional mandate. Our bipartisan think tank’s board members come from diverse back[...]
IRC eyes moves for Greenlee, Mohave
Some white voters who are hoping to be moved out of a predominantly Native American legislative district may get their wish under changes being considered by the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, but not everyone is getting what they want.
Supreme Court hears arguments on Tucson election law
In a rare personal appearance before the Arizona Supreme Court, Attorney General Tom Horne today argued that a 2009 law aimed at revamping the way Tucson elects city officials is of statewide importance because the city’s current system upsets an otherwise fair and even application of municipal elections in the state.
IRC pondering legislative changes
The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission is considering a handful of changes to its legislative map, including proposals that would add another competitive district.
Remember to show your work
At yesterday’s IRC meeting, Voting Rights Act consultant Bruce Adelson repeatedly emphasized that DOJ likes to see a lot of debate and discussion about Voting Rights Act districts when contemplating preclearance for new maps.
IRC eyeing changes to congressional, legislative maps
In its first week back on the job after the reinstatement of ousted Chairwoman Colleen Mathis, the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission considered changing some the most oft-maligned aspects of its congressional draft map.
